NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has secured the services of Boh Bros. Construction Company to perform emergency repairs to the Barataria (Kerner) Bridge, which connects the towns of Jean Lafitte and Barataria in Jefferson Parish.

Once on site, the contractor is confident that it can complete temporary repairs and reopened to traffic by this weekend. The bridge will not be open to marine traffic until further notice. Additional restrictions, if any, will be announced as needed. Once temporary repairs are complete, and the bridge reopened, a detailed assessment will be performed to determine the scope of work for full repair.

The bridge was struck by a barge early Tuesday morning, significantly damaging the center pivot foundation and the truss. In order to help ease the inconvenience for local residents, Jefferson Parish will retain pedestrian ferry and bus services.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.